Fairway Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fairway
[ˈferweɪ ]
Definitions
golf course
The fairway is the part of a golf course between the tee and the green where the grass is cut short and players aim to hit their ball.
Examples of usage
- The golfer hit the ball straight down the fairway.
- The fairway was lined with trees on both sides.
nautical
In nautical terms, a fairway is a navigable channel in a harbor, river, or other body of water.
Examples of usage
- The ship followed the fairway into the harbor.
- The fairway was marked by buoys for safe navigation.
general
A fairway can also refer to a wide path or route, especially one through a forest or countryside.
Examples of usage
- The hikers followed the fairway through the forest.
- The fairway led to a beautiful clearing in the woods.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Sports
- In golf, the fairway is crucial for strategy; hitting the ball here increases the chances of making a good score.
- The width of fairways can vary by course design, impacting gameplay difficulty and strategies used by players.
- Many professional tournaments emphasize fairway accuracy as a key skill, as it often contributes to lower scores.
Landscaping
- Maintaining a fairway requires specialized grass types, typically fescue or Bermuda, for durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Fairways are often kept shorter than rough areas to facilitate easier ball striking, and regular mowing is essential.
- Environmental considerations are important; fairway maintenance can impact local ecosystems, especially water usage.
Cultural References
- Fairways often appear in movies and literature as symbols of leisure, social status, and competition.
- In popular culture, the term 'fairway to Heaven' plays on the phrase 'highway to Heaven,' depicting golf as a blissful escape.
- Many golf-themed video games incorporate fairways as key gameplay elements, emphasizing the sport's strategy and fun.
Nature
- The health of a fairway can indicate the overall condition of a golf course and influence local wildlife habitats.
- Fairways are often managed to prevent erosion and promote biodiversity, serving as transitional spaces within golf courses.
- Natural features like trees or ponds can enhance fairway beauty and challenge players, merging design with nature.
Origin of 'fairway'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'fairway' comes from the Old English 'fær,' meaning journey or passage, indicating a way that is easily traveled.
- It has been in use since the 1800s, primarily in the context of golf, to describe the optimal area for playing.
- Originally, 'fairway' referred not only to a golf course but to safe and unobstructed waterways as well.
The word 'fairway' originated in the 16th century, combining 'fair' (meaning clear, open, or unobstructed) and 'way' (meaning a path or route). Originally used in the context of golf, it later expanded to nautical and general use to refer to navigable channels and wide paths. The term has since become widely recognized in various contexts.
See also: fair, fairly, fairness, fairy, unfair, unfairly, unfairness.